The Spark

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Leading thinkers posit solutions to the structural problems of our age.

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The Spark: James Bridle and non-human intelligence

James Bridle and non-human intelligence

BBC Radio 4 - The Spark, James Bridle and non-human intelligence

Helen Lewis presents a new series of encounters with innovative thinkers.

Helen Lewis returns with a new series of encounters with innovative thinkers. In this episode, she meets James Bridle, author of Ways of Being.

Helen Lewis presents a new series of encounters with innovative thinkers.

In this episode, she meets James Bridle, author of Ways of Being.

Humans have long seen our intelligence as good reason to impose our dominance on the planet. But the writer and artist James Bridle argues that the climate emergency should prompt a little humility. 

Bridle has a background in artificial intelligence, but has turned to study the astonishing range of intelligence exhibited by natural non-human intelligence: everything from slime moulds that can solve complex logistical problems to octopuses that recognise human faces. 

Can refocusing our narrow notions of what constitutes intelligence and personhood help humans develop a more collaborative approach to life on earth, and the perils it confronts?

Producer: Phil Tinline

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